Installing A Deadbolt In A Door

Remove the deadbolt from its packaging and take out the instruction sheet with the template for marking the holes on the door.

Installing a deadbolt in a door.

Install screws in the deadbolt plate and the turn assembly. Close the door and turn the deadbolt several times to mark the doorframe. You ll need to be comfortable using a drill to install a deadbolt yourself. Home improvement expert leah of see jane drill demonstrat.

Use a 7 8 spade bit to drill two overlapping holes in the doorframe for the deadbolt. Fold this template around the edge of the door at least 6 inches above. Above the center of the doorknob. A deadbolt kit will usually come with a paper template to help you mark the door before you start drilling.

Attach the thumb turn. Choose a position on the door for the lock. You ll also need to add a flat head screwdriver hammer and block of wood to your tool set. Drill pilot holes and secure the striker plate with screws.

Installing a deadbolt lock is simple when you have a drill the right hardware and a great teacher. Install the deadbolt lock about 44 inches above the bottom of the door. You ll have to adjust the position a bit if you have a combination storm door so as not to interfere with the storm doorknob or lock. 1 you ll begin installing your deadbolt lock by placing the bolt first if you need to replace the rectangular faceplate with the round drive in faceplate follow steps a c below before going further.

Mortise the area around the hole so the strike plate will fit flush with the doorframe. Mark the door for drilling by taping the template to the inside of the door wood doors have a bevel that will throw the measurements off if you use the exterior side. Most moderately skilled amateurs can complete this task in about half an hour. For keypads install the screws and tuck the battery and cables inside the unit.

Steel doors are easy to drill into using a bimetal hole saw and an electric drill. In the video above this old house general contractor tom silva is adds a deadbolt to a door that is an inch and 3 4 in thickness.